fear versus love

This is how I see it.  Indulge me while I set the stage.  

Pretend you are at a really nice art museum.  There is a very rare vase displayed in it's own room.  The vase sits upon a pedestal in the center of the room.  You enter the room in one direction and ponder the vase and it's beauty.  Do you just leave the room, assuming that the vase is the same whichever way you look at it?  If I really want to study that vase and understand it's properties, I need to walk around the room and examine it from every angle.  There are 360˚ around the vase, so therefore 360 possible points of view to observe the vase from.  A dogmatic view of the world says that there is only one correct way to view this vase.  Instead of savoring the entire expanse of the room and really understanding the vase, dogma tells people that degree number 26, lets say, is the only real way to see the vase.  How do we know that degree number 26 is the only way to view the vase?  An ancient text says that god tells us it is that way.  Or we have been viewing it in this way for generations.  Or it's the only view I've ever known.  Or perhaps this view is comfortable.  In fact, the dogma we serve, whether in the form of a god, holy book, tradition, etc., insists that we don't even recognize that there are other possible angles.  People who observe the vase from across the room, at angle 147 lets say, are delusional and immoral.  God, or our holy book, or our tradition tells us that we should avoid things that would try to influence us to look at the other angles.  So religion has a built-in defense mechanism.  Only read approved books, only listen to approved music, be friends with those that think the same as you, etc.  Doesn't anyone ever wonder why?  Maybe it is because once you get even a glimpse that there are other angles and viewpoints, you realize that the whole 'god' thing is just another form of control.  Those in charge want to control and limit you, so they say that god says that there is only angle 26.  Now pretend that the vase in the center of the room is symbolic for any kind of knowledge and truth someone might be searching for.  Let's say it is knowledge about the human body and medicine.  Which doctor would you prefer to treat and operate on you?  The one who only sees one angle of medicine or the one who walked around the room and understands medicine from a variety of viewpoints.  I would feel much more secure knowing that my doctor has a well rounded understanding of the human body and is not myopic in their practice.  A doctor understanding only angle 26 of the human body would be equivalent to only knowing how to trim toenails.  That knowledge is very limited and narrow.  Personally, I think the only kind of knowledge that is valuable and useful, is the comprehensive kind.  How can a person make an educated choice about something when the religion or tradition they follow purposefully hides huge chunks of information from them?  The short answer is they can't.  It is even more disturbing when god or his followers kill people who decide to view something outside of angle 26 (using the same example I used earlier).  Personally, I have no problem with all 360 viewpoints being equal.  Are they not just one more bit of information that can help you understand the world you live in?  They are all equally valid and correct.  Religion on the other hand, says that there is one correct view, angle 26, and there are 359 angles that are incorrect.  Why?  Because god said so.  Which seems more illogical, especially when we live in a world full of people who are different?  Which way to view people and their opinions is prone to war and fighting, and which one is prone to acceptance and peace?  I will say it again.  Killing people because they do not line up with angle 26 is not just.  It is murder.  What still baffles me is why christians assume that the morality they receive from the bible is superior to others especially when god and his followers kill people who don't agree with them.  Yes, that sounds very moral to me.  (Check out this journal article: Journal of Religion & Society).  It is also interesting to note the history of those morals found in the bible and where they are from.  A deep analysis of any non-biased source exposes the bible for what it really is; a cheap copy of previous pagan literature.  (See POCM for lots of information). 

Unfortunately the sad truth is that the majority of people in the world assume that their angle is superior to everyone else's.  Will it ever end?  Peace will only come to this world when people accept it all.  Peace will not occur when everyone is converted and thinks the same as you, so don't hold your breath.  Peace will come when people recognize the differences in others and realize that they don't really matter in the long run.  Peace will come when you accept others fellow human beings as competent thinkers that can decide their own truth for themselves.  Peace will come when people stop being fearful of those that are different than themselves.  If you say you want peace, then be the change you seek in the world.  It all begins with a choice between fear and love.

Time for Some Campaignin

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Emo Complainers

I tend to be a very observant person.  One thing I have recently noticed is how many people are emo complainers.  Now let me define exactly what I mean when I say emo complainers.  When I use this term I want to describe a person who is negative all the time and whatever happens in life, good or bad, they think their life sucks.  They have the attitude all the time it seems.  They are habitually depressed because they are disappointed or unhappy for some reason in the life that they are leading.  There can be several reasons for a person to feel this way.  Perhaps they feel a sense of entitlement, that they somehow deserve better than what they are receiving.  Perhaps they had a plan in their minds how their life was going to pan out and it didn't end up the way they pictured it.  They don't have enough money, not smart enough, aren't cute, etc etc blah blah blah.  The reasons are really irrelevant.  The fact is these people feel this way and for some reason feel powerless to change it.  People feel powerless to change because religion has programmed into people that they are powerless and need a higher power, a god, to save them.  People can't save themselves; god has to.  So even when life sucks in your opinion, you don't do anything to change it.  You say "oh it's gods will" and try to learn to understand his will for your life while all the time being miserable.  People outside of religion still do this because they feel out of control of their own lives.  I think a major factor in personal happiness is feeling in charge of your own life.  What I have a difficult time understanding, is if your life is so bad then why don't you fuckin do something to change it?  You complain all day long about your crappy life then sit idly by as it happens to you.  If you would just take one ounce of the energy you have when you complain about a situation and turn it around to some action to change the situation it would be a whole lot better for everyone.  No one wants to hear you complain about your petty opinions about stupid stuff.  You think that if someone starts a rumor about you or no one loves you that it is the end of the world.  Everything revolves around you doesn't it?  If you would take one step back from your stupid insignificant life you would see that there is so much more beyond yourself.  I'm not talking about a god or anything mystical here.  I'm saying that you should understand that you are not special.  You are made of the same decaying organic matter as everything else in the ENTIRE UNIVERSE and you are complaining about stupid shit that will be destroyed and long gone in 1000 years and that doesn't even matter.  So just enjoy the ride while you have it!

Childhood Indoctrination

Obviously parents have a tremendous impact on their children.  We cannot escape that.  What I want people to consider, is perhaps exposing their children to ideas, concepts, and options that they may not even like.  Of course, parents want to share their favorite things with their children.  But how about at least reminding their children that there are other options.  Yes, we are influenced by everyone that comes and goes in our lives.  But we are own person.  Using decision making along with a positive view of mistakes and failure would be an ideal mix.  What made me think of this?  Well I came across an old cassette recording on my young voice.  I am probably around 3 years old.  An interesting observation:  I am singing what I know - christian songs.  Apparently that is all I knew.  All I am saying is that there is more than one side to an opinion.  Since we live in a world with other people, it is beneficial for parents to teach their children about multiple points of view especially in regard to religion, culture, language, and even daily practices.  Just a thought. 

Brains

While searching for good information about the brain and psychology, I found this incredible video.  Sharing it here with you.

Click here.

Friends

Well there has been some drama around these parts this past week.  It happens the same way every time pretty much.  Someone says stuff, someone gets mad, no longer friends; you know the deal.  It all just seems very immature in my opinion.  I know what it is like to be on the low end of a friendship.  You think everything is going fine.  Then they find something out about you that they don't approve of, then bam!  They say goodbye in an instant.  I don't get that.  I was and am the same person.  Nothing has changed except your view of me.  Why are people so eager to let a good thing go?  No one is perfect, but why run away from your insecurities.  Why not face them and get them out in the open?  That is what a mature secure adult would do.  You know what you are? An ostrich.  Go ahead and hide your head in the sand.  Hide from the problems and issues.  Don't deal with them.  Keep them inside you emo child.  Go cry to your mommy.  Have a tantrum.  You seem to thrive on stress and drama anyway, so that is what you create in your life.  And you know, even though I never liked that about you, I never said fuck you I'm leaving.  I said ok, that's how you are, and I care about you so it's cool with me.  I can be tolerant of your stupidity and immaturity, but oh no you can't be tolerant of me apparently and the choices I make.  Well guess what?  Nothing you say or do is going to change who I am.  If you feel scared or uneasy around me, that is your own problem, and I guess we never really were friends.  It is all made clear now.  Too bad for you.  I really feel sorry for you.  You blew it.

Influences

Throughout life there are various influences on a person's life.  These influences can be so powerful that they can hinder free choice and personal decision-making.  In fact, there seems to be very little time in life that a person is truly free to make their own decisions.  Obviously we are a product of genetics and our environment.  Those influences make us who we are.  What I am talking about is when the those influences start to run our life.  It is at this point that a person may feel powerless to do anything with their life, which can't be farther from the truth.  Here are the main influences for people that I have noticed listed from early in life to later in life:

parents

school/teachers/principal

friends

work/boss

girlfriend/boyfriend/marriage

military/enlistment

church/religions/other organizations

children

government (laws, taxes)

nursing home

These influences permeate throughout life, so there is little time where a person isn't under some kind of influence.  This is manifest in the typical mid-life crisis that the majority of the population experiences.  At this time in life, people are usually faced with the decision to continue doing what others want or finally shed those influences and do whatever makes them happy.  Obviously I realize that you cannot be free from other people's influence on your life.  We live in this world and there will always be people here.  What I am trying to describe is recognizing that these things influence our decisions but ultimately the choice should be ours.  Whenever these influences seek to force or coerce us, a red flag should go up.  No matter the pressure, no organization, group or person can or should try to make a choice for another person.  I ultimately believe in each person's autonomy to run their own lives.  In this society, people don't even have the free choice to kill themselves which in my opinion = LAME.  

"Liberty consists in the freedom to do everything which injures no one else; hence the exercise of the natural rights of each man has no limits except those which assure to the other members of the society the enjoyment of the same rights." Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, Article 4.

Isn't it amazing that the French drew from our own constitution as inspiration for theirs yet ours does not ensure personal liberty like this.  The French had it right in my opinion.  Everyone is free to do what they want, as long as it doesn't hinder other people from doing what they want.  That's my stand but what do I know.

What I've realized

A lot of people I know personally think that their lives suck.  They are depressed and think the here and now if full of pain and suffering.  People like this "need" something to make them feel better.  Some choose alcohol, drugs, relationships, work, or any other addiction to make their lives bearable in their minds.  There are also those who believe that their life sucks so bad right now, that they lie in wait for the promise of eternal life after they die.  Life is so shitty for them now, they are hoping for some relief in "heaven."  At least in heaven they will be happy, they think.

Well this is my view on it.  If you life rocks right now, how can it be better when you are dead?  I know I have said this over and over again, but it really is all just a matter of perspective.  Who are you going to blame for your shitty life?  Your parents, your spouse, your friends, the government.  I mean come on!  You are the only one who has the power to change things for yourself.  If you are unhappy then do something about it.  Don't sit there and have a pity party for yourself, because nothing will change that way.  There are some people I know that seem to enjoy being sad, depressed, and in a bitchy mood all the time.  That does not spell fun for me.  I am happy right now because I choose to be.  I love my life.  I am so glad that out of the huge randomness in the world, that I am conscious and am alive.  There are so many people who don't even get that chance, yet people are so spoiled that they find anything to complain about.  Sure to some, my life may seem quirky or odd, but I am doing what makes me happy.  Not many people can say that because they don't even know what makes them happy.

All I can say, is take the time to get to know yourself.  I spent 20 years of my life going through the motions and pretending to be something that I thought I had to be.  Now I realize that I can be me and that is the best thing.  It's not about fitting in or following along.  It is about finding what makes you happy whatever that is.  I am just glad I have come to this realization relatively early in my life.  There are those who hold on to ideals for so long.  The older you get the harder it is to break free from those things.  Every second is beautiful.  Be thankful that you are aware and conscious enough to enjoy it.  Let go now and enjoy your life!

If I were president.....

With all the political propaganda going around these past several months, it has me thinking about how my campaign would be if I were running for president. Even though I never plan to run for any political office ever, I just thought it was fun to ponder. The views and interests of the candidates today are so vague, no one really knows where they stand on the issues. What is important to them? What are they going to fight for when in office? Anyway, here is my list of things I think are important and I would fight for when I become president.

~I would push for legislation for the government to provide higher education to all those who want to go. I think college should be free just like K-12 education. I see the importance of education and knowledge, and college loans probably distract a lot of people from pursuing higher education. I personally know it really blows to pay off student loans :(

~I would do everything in my power to further science including but not limited to the space program, the human genome project, as well as drug and other substance studies. I also would push for natural health products such as vitamins, etc. to be legislated because as of today companies can put whatever they want in pills and sell them for a profit without any accountability. I would also push for further exploration of "lost" areas on the planet such as deep sea, deserts, and even antartica.

~I would also push the importance of faith in people and things that have proven themselves in the past. We have trust and faith in the scientific principles of gravity and even our own sun rising and setting each day because they can be tested and the results can be repeated. Those are things worth putting faith in because they have proven themselves. That goes along with the importance of evidence to base my trust on. A healthy does of skepticism would be good for this country.

~And finally, but perhaps most importantly, I would fight for everyone's right to do whatever the hell they want. I would outlaw the Patriot Act as well as many other pieces of legislation that take away citizen's rights. There is nothing more important or worth saving and fighting for than a person's choice. Life, liberty, and happiness, right? I would support anyone's choice as long as it does not affect someone else's right to life, liberty, and happiness. I would also like to bring blatant honesty and sarcasm to public office, because we all know what a bunch of tight wads politicians can be. Also, I would try to encourage discourse and conversation about difficult issues because nothing will change if people don't talk about things and work together. Other than that, I would want my constituents to know that I love music, making creative things, and playing video games. I am married to my best friend, Greg. We live in South Bend, Indiana and have one adorable puppy named Boo.

Decisions

Life is really all about decisions. We are at the place we are in life right now because of our own decisions, as well as those around us or even people we may not even know. Our choices really do make a difference in the grand scheme of things. We may not be able to see the direct impact today, but it is there. A seemingly small option could even mean life or death. And you know, it is my wonderful and exciting privilege to make the decisions that I think are best for me. Even though it may be a smart thing to do to think about others when making decisions, the only person you can really decide anything for is yourself. It is prideful and arrogant to assume things for other people. I know I really hate it when people make decisions for me, especially people who don't even know me. It is like they think they can decide what is best for my life. Even my close friends and family, I would never assume to tell them what to do with their life. If they ask my opinion, I will give it freely, but never in that bossy or arrogant way. To be a good friend or family member, all I can do is try to support people to educate themselves so they can make the best decision for themselves as possible. Even if I don't agree, I totally respect a person's autonomy to decide what they want for themselves. Anyway, that is way too much pressure to decide something for another living being. I barely can decide what I want, let alone what someone else wants :) In the past I have stressed so much over choices and how they will affect others. In all honestly: who fucking cares? I am going to do what I want when I want. WHATEVER I DO WHAT I WANT! :) It is funny though, when I make those choices that really bring me happiness, it magically jives with other people too. I don't feel neglected or abandoned, because I am looking out for me. When I am happy, I can help other people get to that place too. I know it sounds completely selfish, and it really is. But, life is good and I'm going to enjoy it!

Sevendust Concert

Saturday night, my husband and I went to Club Fever here in South Bend for a rockin concert. Four great bands played: Overscence, Neverset, Black Stone Cherry and Sevendust. I haven't been to a real concert for probably three years and this one was definately rockin. All it takes is some alcohol, funky lights, a smokey room, and loud music pumping to get into the concert :P It was fun but I was tired and ready for bed after it was all over. In all honesty, the best band that played was Black Stone Cherry even though Sevendust was the main attraction. Sorry but that band pisses me off. They thought they were all that and showed it. I guess that is what popularity does. To me, Black Stone Cherry were way better musicians and I could tell that they practiced way more. They played awesome and jived with each other incredibly. It seemed to be more about the music to them and less about the flashiness or publicity. They had way more energy and overall put on the best show of the night. They just seem like cool guys. Oh well. Anyway I plan on buying some Black Stone Cherry cds, but will not be purchasing any Sevendust ones because they blow. The concert was fun and it was a great night out with my hubby :)

I'm adding a Black Stone Cherry video. Check it out:

The God Part of the Brain

A highly recommended read. Matthew Alper presents a very thorough explanation of man's propensity to establish a spiritual realm and faith in an afterlife. Through evolution and natural selection, this idea stemmed from man's knowledge and fear of death, as well as fear of the unknown after death. This fear debilatated humans, stopping all progress. Therefore, evolution stepped in and a created the false, but completely necessary idea of god and an afterlife to reduce fear, and return humans to being production beings who could progress. Alper presents his ideas in a very clear and concise manner. Not an easy read, but one that everyone thinking person needs to experience.

Atheist Quotes

Great video with incredible quotes from people all throughout history talking about the idiocy of religion and faith.

Birth & Death

"I cannot imagine a God who rewards and punishes the objects of his creation, whose purposes are modeled after our own -- a God, in short, who is but a reflection of human frailty. Neither can I believe that the individual survives the death of his body, although feeble souls harbor such thoughts through fear or ridiculous egotism." [Einstein]

"I cannot believe in the immortality of the soul.... No, all this talk of an existence for us, as individuals, beyond the grave is wrong. It is born of our tenacity of life – our desire to go on living … our dread of coming to an end." [Edison]

I have realized something. Being born and dying are NOT special. Why? Because every single person on the planet right now or who ever was alive was born and died or will die. Why do people see the birth of a baby as something special, even miraculous? I would define a miracle as something that is SO rare that it hardly ever happens normally. Being born is definately not rare because everyone has done it. Why does society say that this event that happens to everyone is somehow special? Because it happened to you? Because it happened to someone who you care about? Think about it: it has happened to everyone, whether you have met them, you hate them, or will never see them ever. Yet people still see it as a miracle. I don't get that. You know what another birth means to me? It means another consumer in this world. It means another being that populates this already crowded planet. It means another not special human being was brought into this world. Despite being not special, this being will be told that they are special for some reason. That even their birth was a miracle. I just don't get it. It doesn't make sense to me. Then all we have is entire planet full of people who think they are special even though everyone in the entire world is in the same place and is equally special ~ meaning not at all.

I have a similar view of death. Why is death special or even something to be feared? It is something that has or will happen to everyone. It is not miraculous or rare at all and thus should not be seen as special. Think about the animal kingdom for a minute. When an older beast knows that they will die soon, they are not sad or scared. They say goodbye and leave where their family is to die away from the camp to not spread disease to their living relatives. In their last moments they think of the well being of their family. They don't ponder what death will be like or if there is something after. They will be dead so it doesn't matter. They know that dead things rot and rotten things aren't good. So to help their family they wander away and die alone. How do they know to do this? I think it is something inside all of us. Human beings though must always make things that are NOT special or rare very special. So instead of allowing the elders of our communities to die away from the group, we bury them all together in a fancy coffin or burn them in a special way. We also hold a special party in their honor. Does any of that make sense? It doesn't to me.

As you are reading this sentence there are probably hundreds of people being born or dying at this very instant. Birth and death are not special because it happens to everyone. It is not more special if it happens to you because you are as special as everyone else ~ meaning not at all. And yes, to most people this view is coarse or harsh, but I don't really care. Just wait until I get started!

My Homemade Cards

I have recently been enjoying making some homemade cards for friends and family. It is a great way to let my creative juices flow while keeping my hands busy and helping to brighten someone's day. I am learning about new techniques to use on my cards. I also like to try new things. I am attaching some pictures of the cards I have made. The ones included in this post are all birthday cards. 1: birthday card for Wendy, my sister-in-law. 2: birthday card for Doug, my brother-in-law. 3: birthday card for Evan, my nephew. 4: birthday card for Grandma Ault. Look here in the future for some new creations.

Death is the end

It matters what goes on right now. In the moment. Nothing lasts. What does it matter where you go or what happens to your body after you die. You have expired and will not know the difference. No longer feeling or experiencing, breathing no more. Life has ended and there is no more for you. You follow in the footsteps of generations gone by. I will follow also when it is my turn, as will everyone I know or have ever met. So will all the people who have ever been born. They too will die and meet the end of existence. There is no point in pondering what happens in death because it will make no matter when it happens. There is no point even regretting past mistakes or choices. Life in the now because it is what is right here in front of you.

In Memory of Mary Theresa Omiecinski, my grandma.

Belief-o-matic

Every couple months for the past two years I try to take this online quiz at http://www.beliefnet.com/ .
It is called the Belief-o-matic. It is really just for a little bit of fun, but you basically answer questions and it tells you which religion or belief system matches what you believe. Try it sometime. It is fun and thought-provoking. Here is a link of my results which shows that I am a 100% secular humanist which is pretty accurate. Sometimes it is just shocking to see how far I really have come in the past two years. My brother showed me this quiz thing two years ago. When I took the quiz then, I was 100% protestant christian. And look at me now! The transformation is incredible really. Life is so good and I am happy!

My Results

Take the Quiz yourself

Prince is Dead!

Group One did an awesome job Sunday night when we downed Prince! I am so proud of everyone. We had a great time.

More Karazhan Pics

I'm adding a couple more pictures here from Karazhan. The Forsaken downed a couple more bosses. Hooray! These are such fun times! :D Watch out Prince, Sunday you are going down!

Karazhan with The Forsaken

Fun times in World of Warcraft! We have downed quite a few bosses in Karazhan. It is really an exciting experience. I am adding a couple screenshots from the boss fights and other various things from Karazhan. We even attempted Zul Aman once.... :D

Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal

I am currently reading Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore. What a funny and entertaining read! It basically details the time between Jesus' birth and the start of this ministry at age 30. What did he do during that time? Nothing is really mentioned in the bible. Jesus, called Joshua in the novel, sets out on an adventure with his closest friend Biff to find the three magi that visited him at his birth. Joshua feels he has a job to do, but doesn't know what to do next. He needs to learn as much as he can, learning valuable ideas from the three magi; one an african alchemist, one a buddhist monk, one a hindu leader. Another interesting idea added to the story was that Joshua became friends with the local yeti in the Chinese mountains, who ended up being the last one left on the earth. I love that addition! Fun read for anyone with any or no religious beliefs.

Fear

Now more than ever I have realized that the people of the world are ruled by fear. It is the chief motivator in any situation. People are crippled, frozen in place, terrofied of any and everything. Fear is a survival mechanism, and usually occurs in response to a specific negative stimulus. And the sad truth is that the experts are the ones who are making us fearful, providing the perfect stimulus to make us afraid. Humans can become very intimidated by fear causing them to go along with another's wishes without caring about their own input. The government, with their so called experiements and such are telling us what to be afraid of, and no one says otherwise. You know, we really have to take their word for it.

For example, a few years back a story hit the news stands about the terrible cholesterol in eggs. Eggs are bad and you shouldn't eat them. Fear fear fear. The common person is not going to take an egg, go down to their laboratory in the basement and test the cholestrol or fat content of the egg. We just have to believe them because the experts, the government, or the news media told us so. The worst part of all of this is that I have a feeling that all of this fear is not even based on cold hard facts. I have a feeling that the truth told to people is bought by the highest bidder. You will remember that maybe a year ago or so, a new study came out that announced that eggs are indeed good for you, so people started eating them more. So which is it? They were bad, but now they are good? Perhaps the egg companies banded together, raised enough money, bribed the experts and the government, and all of a sudden eggs are healthy again! All I have to say to that is WTF!

Just to make my point, here are some things that we have been told to be afraid of.......do you believe these lies?

-trans fat
-terrorists
-airplanes
-liquids and gels
-going to school
-computer viruses
-being different
-losing your job
-not having healthcare
-Harry Potter
-alcohol, tobacco, various drugs
-burning in hell
And the list goes ON AND ON AND ON.....Everyone also has their own personal fears. But they are as unfounded as the fears listed above. Even if there was evidence, I am still going to do what I want with my life. And what I want is to live a life free from fear. That is what I want for everyone I love.

I found this great article about the culture of fear by Royce Carlson called Fear Rules. Please go check it out. He says, "People are inclined to give up a lot when driven by fear. The first thing that goes is logic and any semblance of objectivity. They are willing to give up freedom in exchange for protection. They will give up their respect for the rights of others and go against their deepest beliefs if they are afraid."

A perfect example of this is found in Michael Moore's movie Bowling for Columbine. I am attaching a clip of the movie here that really does a good job of explaining the roots of fear, especially in this country. Enjoy!

Choice is my one freedom

I have realized the importance of ones choices. It is my sovereign right as a human being, to make whatever choices I want for my own life. That is my peragative. I am the sole possessor of what happens to my physical, and whatever other parts of myself, seen or unseen, body. I will never accept the authority of any that tries to deny these sovereign rights for myself or any other human. If the use of my own body is ever legislated, that will be the day that I march for freedom.

In today's world, a person cannot even make the choice to kill themselves. It is legislated to them that people who try to kill themselves are criminals and require intervention. I believe it is any person's right to choose to die, in whatever way they want. It is really the ultimate choice. No one should deny it or criminalize people who make or try to make that choice. Do not ever legislate what people can put into their bodies. It is no ones business but my own. No authority has the right to tell me what is right for my body. I do not care if you say it is harmful or it may kill me, allow me to make the choice to use it on my own. Do no try to rule my life with law. There is no law that can stop me from doing what I want with my own body. If that is ever legislated that will be the day that I march for freedom. If a person chooses to hurt themselves or alter their bodies in any way, I feel that that is their right to. No one should look down on anyone for the outward appearance of the body. Do what you want, and give others the respect for doing what they want even if it is something you would not have chosen yourself. If more people would do this in the world, a revolution would take place.

D&D

Well, Greg, you did it. You got me into D&D. Looking back at the years we have been together, I would have never thought this day will come. But, alas it has come today.

Yes, we had some friends over today to play a rousing round of D&D. I got a jumpstart course in lots of interesting aspects of D&D including character generation, gear, weapons, roleplaying, and even got to see a little bit of combat. Fun times! There is a lot to remember and keep track of, but overall a fun experience. I think I am going to really enjoy the whole rolepaying aspect of it the most. It is really quite exciting. And seriously, if people think that this game has some kind of affect on eternal soul residence after death, I think they need to get out a little more. Living life is about experiencing the variations and this just happens to be an exciting one for me. I'm sure some people don't really care about playing games and pretending, but I think it is fun! And dammit, if I think it is fun, I'm gonna do it no matter what anyone or anything tells me.

Well, there you go. I'm sure the addiction will soon set in as with many other things I have been introduced to. There is just so much to life and I love every part!

Life is Beautiful!

Damn! Have you ever taken a moment just to take in all the wonder of the world? It is amazing, beyond words even. Every adjective that I think of does not do it justice. Life is so beautiful, precious, and wonderful. Sometimes we get to busy making plans for our futures and caring about stupid things that don't really matter that we forget to look and see what is right in front of us. This! What I have right now at this moment in life is so AWESOME! I don't have to have goals to improve or get better for me to be happy. I am happy right now where I am and that is a wonderful feeling. People get so wrapped up in self-improvement that they don't see how great things are right now. It is funny how it works that way. Just be content right now right here.



I'm also linking this video by Sixx AM Life is Beautiful because it really captures the frality, wonder, and beauty of simply bein alive.